I was planning on regreasing my bottom bracket, but I couldn't remove the cup. So I brought it to the store, but while the store guy managed to loosen and remove it, either the bearing cages got bent while it was getting extracted, or they were already bent (unlikely - I had been riding this bike daily).

Ended up getting a sealed bottom bracket installed. Cost me $25 for the bottom bracket and $20 for the service charge (normally $30).

Grr. I've now spent more on the stupid bike than it originally cost me. GRRRR....

I should have asked for the parts back and just shoved them back in, with extra bearings and without the bearing cages - that's apparently an option, according to the internet.

In Life's name, and for Life's sake, I assert that I will employ the Art which is its gift in Life's service alone. I will guard growth and ease pain. I will fight to preserve what grows and lives well in its own way; Nor will I change any creature unless its growth and Life, or that of the system of which it is part, are threatened. To these ends, in the practice of my Art, I will ever put aside fear for courage, and death for Life, when it is fitting to do so- looking always toward the Heart of Time, where all our sundered times are one, and all our myriad worlds lie whole, in that from which they proceeded...